Britain's Got Talent winner to switch on Accrington Christmas lights

As customers pack into shops for some last minute Christmas shopping, they will be treated to several stalls, cabins and street performances.

Michael Whewell, who is a member of the Chamber of Trade, said plans haven’t yet been finalised but various activities are set to be held on both Saturday 13 and Saturday, December 20.

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He said: “It’s festivities such as mulled wine, mince pies, and entertainers. It’s being run in conjunction with the council.

“The question is can we do more with these Christmas Saturdays to entice more people into the town centre and to increase footfall?

“The council were more than happy to help us with this idea.”

Wooden cabins trialled last year will be moved into a more central location, while traditional carols could be sung by local schoolchildren in the town centre. Chestnut carts and an orchestra could also be on the Christmas cards, council documents revealed.

Michael added: “People will compare it to Manchester’s Christmas Market. We are aware of what goes on in other towns, but we haven’t looked at one place in particular as an influence.

“It should be a good Christmas for shoppers and for retailers as well.”

This year’s Christmas lights in Accrington will be switched on on Thursday, November 27, with Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall lined up to perform.

A local celebrity has also been approached to flick the switch, but plans have not yet been set in stone.

At a recent meeting of the Accrington Town Team, it was revealed the council believed the Christmas Saturdays were a ‘fantastic idea’ to complement the council’s own celebrations.

The Chamber of Trade was asked to put forward a written proposal with costings, public liability, risk assessment, policing, toilet facilities, environmental health checks, and marshalling plans by the end of September.

It will meet tomorrow to further discuss the plans, Michael said.